Whiteley v. Social Security Administration Commissioner
Filing
14
MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Honorable Erin L. Setser on August 18, 2014. (rg)
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS
HARRISON DIVISION
AARON EUGENE WHITELEY
v.
PLAINTIFF
NO. 13-3061
CAROLYN W. COLVIN, Commissioner
Social Security Administration
DEFENDANT
MEMORANDUM OPINION
Plaintiff, Aaron Eugene Whiteley, brings this action pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 405(g),
seeking judicial review of a decision of the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration
(Commissioner) denying his claims for a period of disability and disability insurance benefits
(DIB) and supplemental security income (SSI) benefits under the provisions of Titles II and XVI
of the Social Security Act (Act). In this judicial review, the Court must determine whether there
is substantial evidence in the administrative record to support the Commissioner's decision. See
42 U.S.C. § 405(g).
I.
Procedural Background:
Plaintiff protectively filed his current applications for DIB and SSI on September 22,
2010, alleging an inability to work since January 5, 2009,1 due to degenerative arthritis, a right
shoulder rotator cuff tear, anxiety, depression, black lung, and constant shoulder pain. (Tr. 147,
154). An administrative hearing was held on November 2, 2011, at which Plaintiff appeared
1
At the administrative hearing, Plaintiff, through his counsel, amended his alleged onset date to January 20, 2009.
(Tr. 11, 69-70).
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with counsel and testified. (Tr. 31-84).
By written decision dated July 2, 2012, the ALJ found that during the relevant time
period, Plaintiff had an impairment or combination of impairments that were severe. (Tr. 13).
Specifically, the ALJ found Plaintiff had the following severe impairments:
osteoarthritis/degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine;
osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder status post surgery;
osteoarthritis of both hands; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; cognitive
disorder; major depression; generalized anxiety disorder; pain disorder; alcohol
abuse/dependence; and marijuana abuse...
(Tr. 13). However, after reviewing all of the evidence presented, the ALJ determined that
Plaintiff’s impairments did not meet or equal the level of severity of any impairment listed in the
Listing of Impairments found in Appendix I, Subpart P, Regulation No. 4. (Tr. 14). The ALJ
found Plaintiff retained the residual functional capacity (RFC) to:
perform light work as defined in 20 CFR 404.1567(b) and 416.967(b) except the
claimant cannot climb ladders, ropes or scaffolds, and can only occasionally
climb ramps and stairs. Additionally, the claimant is limited to only occasional
balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling. The claimant can
frequently, but not constantly, handle and finger bilaterally, but must avoid
overhead work. The claimant must also avoid concentrated exposure to
temperature extremes, humidity, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation.
Further, the claimant is limited to work where interpersonal contact is incidental
to the work performed; the complexity of tasks is learned and performed by rote,
with few variables and use of little judgment; and the supervision required is
simple, direct, and concrete.
(Tr. 16). With the help of a vocational expert, the ALJ determined Plaintiff could perform work
as a nut and bolt assembler, a production worker, and a machine operator/tender. (Tr. 25).
Plaintiff then requested a review of the hearing decision by the Appeals Council, which
after reviewing additional evidence submitted by Plaintiff, denied that request on April 24, 2013.
(Tr. 1-4). Subsequently, Plaintiff filed this action. (Doc. 1-6). This case is before the
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undersigned pursuant to the consent of the parties. (Doc. 6). Both parties have filed appeal
briefs, and the case is now ready for decision. (Docs. 12, 13).
II.
Applicable Law:
This Court's role is to determine whether the Commissioner's findings are supported by
substantial evidence on the record as a whole. Ramirez v. Barnhart, 292 F.3d 576, 583 (8th Cir.
2002). Substantial evidence is less than a preponderance but it is enough that a reasonable mind
would find it adequate to support the Commissioner's decision. The ALJ's decision must be
affirmed if the record contains substantial evidence to support it. Edwards v. Barnhart, 314 F.3d
964, 966 (8th Cir. 2003). As long as there is substantial evidence in the record that supports the
Commissioner's decision, the Court may not reverse it simply because substantial evidence exists
in the record that would have supported a contrary outcome, or because the Court would have
decided the case differently. Haley v. Massanari, 258 F.3d 742, 747 (8th Cir. 2001). In other
words, if after reviewing the record it is possible to draw two inconsistent positions from the
evidence and one of those positions represents the findings of the ALJ, the decision of the ALJ
must be affirmed. Young v. Apfel, 221 F.3d 1065, 1068 (8th Cir. 2000).
It is well-established that a claimant for Social Security disability benefits has the burden
of proving his disability by establishing a physical or mental disability that has lasted at least one
year and that prevents him from engaging in any substantial gainful activity. Pearsall v.
Massanari, 274 F.3d 1211, 1217 (8th Cir.2001); see also 42 U.S.C. § § 423(d)(1)(A),
1382c(a)(3)(A). The Act defines “physical or mental impairment” as “an impairment that results
from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities which are demonstrable by
medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques.” 42 U.S.C. § § 423(d)(3),
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1382(3)(c). A Plaintiff must show that his disability, not simply his impairment, has lasted for
at least twelve consecutive months.
The Commissioner’s regulations require her to apply a five-step sequential evaluation
process to each claim for disability benefits: (1) whether the claimant has engaged in substantial
gainful activity since filing his claim; (2) whether the claimant has a severe physical and/or
mental impairment or combination of impairments; (3) whether the impairment(s) meet or equal
an impairment in the listings; (4) whether the impairment(s) prevent the claimant from doing past
relevant work; and, (5) whether the claimant is able to perform other work in the national
economy given his age, education, and experience. See 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920. Only
if the final stage is reached does the fact finder consider the Plaintiff’s age, education, and work
experience in light of his residual functional capacity. See McCoy v. Schweiker, 683 F.2d 1138,
1141-42 (8th Cir. 1982); 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1520, 416.920.
III.
Discussion:
Plaintiff argues the following issues on appeal: 1) the ALJ erred in discrediting Plaintiff’s
credibility; 2) the ALJ erred in determining Plaintiff’s RFC by failing to give more weight to the
examining and treating physicians; and 3) the ALJ failed to fully and fairly develop the record
by failing to re-contact a consultative examiner.
A.
Subjective Complaints and Credibility Analysis:
The ALJ was required to consider all the evidence relating to Plaintiff’s subjective
complaints including evidence presented by third parties that relates to: (1) Plaintiff's daily
activities; (2) the duration, frequency, and intensity of his pain; (3) precipitating and aggravating
factors; (4) dosage, effectiveness, and side effects of his medication; and (5) functional
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restrictions. See Polaski v. Heckler, 739 F.2d 1320, 1322 (8th Cir. 1984). While an ALJ may
not discount a claimant's subjective complaints solely because the medical evidence fails to
support them, an ALJ may discount those complaints where inconsistencies appear in the record
as a whole. Id. As the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit observed, “Our
touchstone is that [a claimant's] credibility is primarily a matter for the ALJ to decide.” Edwards
v. Barnhart, 314 F.3d 964, 966 (8th Cir. 2003).
After reviewing the administrative record, and the Defendant’s well-stated reasons set
forth in her brief, it is clear that the ALJ properly considered and evaluated Plaintiff’s subjective
complaints, including the Polaski factors. Plaintiff indicated in the Function Report that he had
limitations due to chronic pain; however, the record revealed Plaintiff was able to prepare simple
meals; to help with some household chores including laundry; to drive alone; to shop for food
and gas; to pay bills; to spend time with other watching television and playing cards; and to
attend church once a week. (Tr. 206-214). The record revealed that in September of 2009,
Plaintiff’s orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Joseph M. Ricciardi, noted that Plaintiff had been gaining
strength and that Plaintiff could lift fifty pounds with both hands up to the level of his shoulders.
(Tr. 280). In December of 2010, Plaintiff reported that he was able to shop and plan meals
without assistance, and to occasionally help vacuum, but was limited in sweeping due to pain.
(Tr. 428-429). Plaintiff also reported that he was able to go to his brother’s house to watch
television and drink beer; and to go to a friend’s house to play dominoes or dice games once a
week. (Tr. 429). Plaintiff further reported that he and his girlfriend also had friends come over
a couple of times a week to play dominoes and visit. (Tr. 429). The record further revealed that
Plaintiff sought treatment for shoulder pain after putting wood into the back of a truck in January
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of 2011. (Tr. 510).
With regard to Plaintiff’s shoulder impairment, the record revealed that Plaintiff
underwent surgery, performed by Dr. Ricciardi, in April of 2009. By October of 2009, Dr.
Ricciardi, released Plaintiff from care, and opined that Plaintiff was considered fit for the return
to employment when employment opportunities became available. (Tr. 279).
The medical evidence revealed that Plaintiff has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
When discussing Plaintiff’s respiratory impairment, the ALJ pointed out that despite the repeated
recommendations to stop smoking, Plaintiff continued to smoke throughout the relevant time
period. See Kisling v. Chater, 105 F.3d 1255, 1257 (8th Cir.1997) (noting that a failure to follow
prescribed treatment may be grounds for denying an application for benefits); Mouser v. Astrue,
545 F.3d 634, 638 (8th Cir. 2008)(where claimant’s smoking had a direct impact on his
impairments, the ALJ appropriately considered claimant’s failure to stop smoking in making his
credibility determination).
With regard to Plaintiff’s alleged depression and anxiety, the record failed to demonstrate
that Plaintiff sought on-going and consistent treatment from a mental health professional during
the relevant time period. See Gowell v. Apfel, 242 F.3d 793, 796 (8th Cir. 2001) (holding that
lack of evidence of ongoing counseling or psychiatric treatment for depression weighs against
plaintiff’s claim of disability). The record revealed that Plaintiff went for the initial consultation
at Ozark Guidance in October of 2010, per the recommendation of his disability attorney, to seek
help for his depression and anxiety. (Tr. 415). Plaintiff did not return to Ozark Guidance and
was discharged in December of 2010. (Tr. 424).
Therefore, although it is clear that Plaintiff suffers with some degree of pain, he has not
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established that he is unable to engage in any gainful activity. See Craig v. Apfel, 212 F.3d 433,
436 (8th Cir. 2000) (holding that mere fact that working may cause pain or discomfort does not
mandate a finding of disability). Neither the medical evidence nor the reports concerning his
daily activities support Plaintiff’s contention of total disability. Accordingly, the Court
concludes that substantial evidence supports the ALJ’s conclusion that Plaintiff’s subjective
complaints were not totally credible.
B.
The ALJ’s RFC Determination:
RFC is the most a person can do despite that person’s limitations. 20 C.F.R. §
404.1545(a)(1). It is assessed using all relevant evidence in the record. Id. This includes medical
records, observations of treating physicians and others, and the claimant’s own descriptions of
his limitations. Guilliams v. Barnhart, 393 F.3d 798, 801 (8th Cir. 2005); Eichelberger v.
Barnhart, 390 F.3d 584, 591 (8th Cir. 2004). Limitations resulting from symptoms such as pain
are also factored into the assessment. 20 C.F.R. § 404.1545(a)(3). The United States Court of
Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has held that a “claimant’s residual functional capacity is a
medical question.” Lauer v. Apfel, 245 F.3d 700, 704 (8th Cir. 2001). Therefore, an ALJ’s
determination concerning a claimant’s RFC must be supported by medical evidence that
addresses the claimant’s ability to function in the workplace. Lewis v. Barnhart, 353 F.3d 642,
646 (8th Cir. 2003). “[T]he ALJ is [also] required to set forth specifically a claimant’s
limitations and to determine how those limitations affect his RFC.” Id.
In the present case, the ALJ considered the medical assessments of examining and nonexamining agency medical consultants, Plaintiff’s subjective complaints, and his medical records
when he determined Plaintiff could perform light work with limitations. The Court notes that
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in determining Plaintiff’s RFC, the ALJ discussed the medical opinions of examining and nonexamining medical professionals, including the opinions of Drs. Ricciardi, Shannon Brownfield,
Richard D. Back, Julius Petty, and Kevin Santulli, and set forth the reasons for the weight given
to the opinions. Renstrom v. Astrue, 680 F.3d 1057, 1065 (8th Cir. 2012) (“It is the ALJ’s
function to resolve conflicts among the opinions of various treating and examining
physicians”)(citations omitted); Prosch v. Apfel, 201 F.3d 1010 at 1012 (the ALJ may reject the
conclusions of any medical expert, whether hired by the claimant or the government, if they are
inconsistent with the record as a whole). Based on the record as a whole, the Court finds
substantial evidence to support the ALJ’s RFC determination for the relevant time period.
C.
Hypothetical Question to the Vocational Expert:
After thoroughly reviewing the hearing transcript along with the entire evidence of
record, the Court finds that the hypothetical the ALJ posed to the vocational expert fully set forth
the impairments which the ALJ accepted as true and which were supported by the record as a
whole. Goff v. Barnhart, 421 F.3d 785, 794 (8th Cir. 2005). Accordingly, the Court finds that the
vocational expert's opinion constitutes substantial evidence supporting the ALJ's conclusion that
Plaintiff's impairments did not preclude him from performing work as a nut and bolt assembler,
a production worker, and a machine operator/tender. Pickney v. Chater, 96 F.3d 294, 296 (8th
Cir. 1996)(testimony from vocational expert based on properly phrased hypothetical question
constitutes substantial evidence).
D.
Fully and Fairly Develop the Record:
While an ALJ is required to develop the record fully and fairly, see Freeman v. Apfel,
208 F.3d 687, 692 (8th Cir.2000) (ALJ must order consultative examination only when it is
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necessary for an informed decision), the record before the ALJ contained the evidence required
to make a full and informed decision regarding Plaintiff’s capabilities during the relevant time
period. See Strongson v. Barnhart, 361 F.3d 1066, 1071-72 (8th Cir.2004) (ALJ must develop
record fully and fairly to ensure it includes evidence from treating physician, or at least
examining physician, addressing impairments at issue).
IV.
Conclusion:
Accordingly, having carefully reviewed the record, the undersigned finds substantial
evidence supporting the ALJ's decision denying the Plaintiff benefits, and thus the decision
should be affirmed. The undersigned further finds that the Plaintiff’s Complaint should be
dismissed with prejudice.
DATED this 18th day of August, 2014.
/s/ Erin L. Setser
HON. ERIN L. SETSER
UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE
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